On-the-job support

Maaike van Hooidonk

Co-CEO

My expertise and focus is mainly public affairs and stakeholder management. I have ample experience with the lobby in The Hague, but also with advocacy at regional and local levels. I like to switch between strategic choices, contemporary issues that arise and hands-on support. I am passionate and work side-by-side with my clients throughout the process. I am also passionate about intelligence questions, data driven public affairs and the development of IT tools for ambitious public affairs professionals. For example, together with colleague Mark van den Anker I developed our successful Stakeholder Intelligence Monitor (SIM) and I bear the responsibility for the further development and growth of the SIM. Representing Wepublic, I am also involved in our international Interel network.

Previously, I worked as a public affairs advisor at Schiphol Group and as a consultant at Berenschot and EPPA Politiek & Lobby Consultants. I have also been working for the VVD for years, at both local and national level.

In my spare time I enjoy sports (running, crossfit, strength training), surfing, reading and dinners and drinks with family and friends. I can cook quite nicely and I also really enjoy eating out. I have two daughters with whom I like to go out to museums and theaters or explore the outdoors.

Mark van den Anker

Co-CEO

I love working on complex issues in the field of public affairs and stakeholder management by helping to make it concrete and to just do it. I gladly assist clients in supporting and developing public affairs strategies, which we then jointly implement. By making the representation of interests and lobby concrete and tangible, I show how they can contribute to the objectives of the organization. I am passionate and work closely with my clients throughout the process. My working method is characterized by a ‘hands-on’ and a thorough approach combined with humor and perspective.

I am enthusiastic about asking questions regarding intelligence, data driven public affairs and developing IT tools that can be of added value in our field. Together with my colleague Maaike van Hooidonk I developed our successful Stakeholder Intelligence Monitor (SIM) and I bear the responsibility for the further development and growth of the SIM.

The future of our field will, in my view, be based more on the use of data and IT applications.

Maurice Jansen

Managing Director

Working on a stronger profile and a clear position of my clients, that is what I like to do as a consultant. If that position comes under pressure, it only makes it more relevant – and more interesting professionally. As a consultant I want to help clients to (continue to) do what they are good at and to grow; as managing director I do that for the agency and my colleagues.

Before I started at Wepublic, I worked at an international communications consultancy and I was communications director at Albert Heijn.

Besides my work at Wepublic, I am also member of the supervisory board at a partnership group for appropriate education and a director at a theatre. I also enjoy reading, writing, running and walking with my little son, and I like going to museums and Milan.

Gijs Petter

Director Intelligence

At Wepublic I am responsible for the Intelligence tools. I make sure that our team of consultants keeps you up to date on all relevant political and social developments with the Stakeholder Intelligence Monitor (SIM).

I gained the necessary experience in the House of Representatives of the Netherlands but also in the public affairs sector. I see myself as an all-round and involved consultant, familiar with many sectors and quickly informed and aware of (political) sensitivities.

Besides the above, I like to cook and to play field hockey, and I listen to (almost) all political podcasts.

Renske Miltenburg

Director

Communication is my second nature. I have plenty of experience in coaching leaders, organisations and companies with forming and shaping their vision, in a clear and inspiring manner. This way, the vision is embraced by as many people as possible.

I speak the language of the boardroom, understand the business, connect with the employees and feel the needs and wants of stakeholders from within and outside of the organisation. This gives me the tools to translate within these stakeholders.

I get energy from finding the common divider together with the client, leading to creative solutions and a corresponding storyline. It gives me even more energy to execute that vision. Leading with vision and executive communication are the two centerpieces of such a strategy.

Prior to Wepublic I was employed as a Senior Advisor at &Samhoud and Boer&Croon and as the communications director at Philips International. I have a background in business management.

I like to spend my personal time cooking, having dinner, gardening, writing and spending quality time with friends. I also love my family and three beautiful children, who are also quite outspoken.

Marco Kortleve

Director

I have comprehensive experience with policy and strategy: in national politics as a political advisor, at two multinationals in healthcare, and as an (independent) advisor on public affairs and strategic communication. Besides, I am experienced in association management, both in a supportive and in an ultimately responsible, administrative role.

I get satisfaction from identifying and putting relevant topics on the agenda and initiating and leading discussions. I like to bring complex projects to a successful conclusion together with others. I am analytically strong, very eloquent and resistant to stress. I am happy to support you with my experience, interests and skills.

I live in The Hague, I am married to Lizette and together we have two daughters and a dog. In my spare time, I like to linger at our beautiful Dutch coast for some cycling, walking and running. I am a great fan of podcasts and I like to read books and regularly do odd jobs at our house.

Hein Greven

Associate Partner

Result and finding sustainable solutions in the public arena for our clients are the core of my work, especially when there is a lot at stake. No communication for the sake of communication. Together with clients I like to work on relations and advocacy, aimed at achieving long term results. I believe that an open eye and mind for the motives and interests of all stakeholders involved helps to achieve structural results.

In this way I have developed into an allround communications consultant with an emphasis on public affairs and lobbying. My experience is built up in the fields of energy, healthcare, sustainability, telecom, finance and creative industry. Before my step towards entrepreneurship with Wepublic in 2013, I was manager Public Affairs & Media Relations at energy company Eneco, associate partner at consultant firm Boer & Croon, chairman of the Professional Association for Public Affairs (BVPA), board member at the environment NGO Waddenvereniging and manager of Public Affairs at Royal Dutch KPN Telecom. I am actively involved in our international network Interel, fellow at the Witt Institute for Advanced Negotiations and active member of the entrepreneurial club for a sustainable economy, MVO Nederland.

I was born in Amsterdam in 1969, I studied political in Leiden, where I also met my wife. I try to keep an open mind through sports (running and football) traveling, reading, visiting museums and watching the football team across the street of our office, Ajax Amsterdam.

Catharina Burgman

Senior Advisor

As a communications professional, I enjoy creating sustainable connections. Key ingredients to obtain that connection are both visionary leadership and clear communication. I love to explore an organization, on a quest to find to the true story and the connection of that story to the long-term goals. It gives me energy to then translate those factors into a vision, a strategy, and obtaining impactful communication as a result.

After my studies in communicational science in Amsterdam, I obtained experience within marketing, public relations, stakeholder communication and profiling-projects. In the office I obtained experience managing projects and developing strategies for both public and private organizations.

As an entrepreneur I founded the Boutique Hotel Haas in Maastricht. As a freelance advisor I also co-created their vision, strategic communication plans and their storytelling.

I thrive on a dynamic corporate environment, challenges regarding content and societal topics. I love working on solving complex, multi-faceted cases and their execution. This includes cases with a prospective lens, and engaging with practical and creative solutions.

On the weekend I love to be on the water, preferably in a rowing boat. I also obtain great pleasure from cooking for friends and family, visiting the cinema and visiting museums, preferably in the winter. I live in Amsterdam, and in the summer you can find me on the beach, reading a good book.

Laurens Minderhoud

Senior Advisor

Working together with the client, and with the team, is the centerpiece for my work. Getting to the bottom of the case, asking all the possible questions and examining the diverse facets of the question at hand gives me energy; especially when this creates the right strategy, resulting in impact when implementing it. As an engaged, social advisor, Wepublic suits me just right.

After my bachelor at the University of Utrecht, I finished my studies with a master in International Relations in Sydney, Australia. Upon my return I implemented my passion for politics by working for the VVD-fraction in Dutch Parliament. Here, I learned all the ins- and outs of Dutch politics, which served me well in my four years as PA-advisor for the Province of Noord-Brabant.

In my personal life I was involved with the Stichting de Ster, an organisation which helps children in need of a little bit of support within the topic of self-confidence and resilience. I am also a fervent athlete, enjoy cooking and am very interested in history and psychology.

Daan Wijnants

Senior Advisor

You say Public Affairs, people think House of Cards. For me, however, Public Affairs is all about telling the right story. What does your company or organisation contribute? Wat is the positive impact you want to make? To develop that aspect of your story; that thrives me.

I have experience working within the start/scale-up sector, for felyx, a provider of shared-mobility services. As Head of Public Affairs I supported the further expansion of the company to new cities and countries, by working closely together with (local) governments. I have also worked for the municipal fraction of the VVD in Amsterdam, where I am still politically active.

At Wepublic, as senior advisor, I am involved as a project manager with varying projects which touch upon public/private cooperation. In my free time I love to read. Want to know more? Contact me with the contact details mentioned above.

Esther Vriesendorp

Senior Advisor

As an advisor I like working with clients to develop a well thought-through communication strategy which recognizes the values the organization represents, and also reflects societal questions and actualities. By developing such a vision, organisations remain in touch with their relevance and make decisions which fit their strategy and identity.

I have gained a broad amount of experience as a strategic communications advisor for the last 15 years, including experience in corporate communication, crisis communication, reputation & issue-management, spokesperson and media representation. After my studies in history and my internship at the UN I worked, in different capacities, for, among others, the TU Delft, Hivos, the Red Cross & Triodos Bank.

My main qualities represented in my work are, among others, my analytical dexterity, my curiosity, my open mind and the eagerness for results.

I live close to the beach and dunes, and I enjoy spending time there with my two daughters. I also enjoy running and working out and I prefer my coffee black, with a good newspaper.

Nils Dalmeijer

Advisor

As public affairs advisor at Wepublic, I am involved in monitoring societal and political developments. In addition, I advise clients on matters in public affairs and stakeholder management. I enjoy working together with clients towards the right solution and like to immerse myself in the context of the assignment.

Before my current position, I worked as a consultant in the field of cyber security and crisis management. Next to my work, I am politically active for D66 in Leiden and I am a board member of the Young Alumni Network of Leiden University. At this university, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Crisis and Security Management. I also lived, studied and enjoyed diving in Cyprus for a while. In my spare time I like to play tennis, play the piano or cook a delicious, extensive meal.

Melissa Veenstra

Advisor

As a Public Affairs consultant I advise clients in the field of Public Affairs, stakeholder management and advocacy. I like complex matters where many interests come together. This gives me a lot of energy. I am also active on the board of Jong BVPA in which I am committed to stimulate a network of young lobbyists by organizing various activities.

I consider politics to be my biggest hobby. During my master’s in public affairs at Leiden University, I worked as a teacher at ProDemos where I was able to learn students more about the functioning of Dutch politics and democracy through a program and a tour of the ‘Binnenhof’.

I previously worked at wepublic as a junior advisor, where I mainly focused on identifying, selecting and analyzing political and social developments. In addition to politics, I like to do CrossFit, go to a museum or read a book.

Annemijn Cassée

Advisor

As junior advisor public affairs at Wepublic, I monitor societal and political developments and translate relevant issues to our clients. Also, I advise clients on matters in public affairs and stakeholder management. Analyzing complex societal issues and working towards concrete solutions is what gets me energized in this work.

I have a bachelor degree in Bèta-gamma with the majors’ neurobiology and international development studies at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and a master degree in Management, Policy-Analaysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences. Before Wepublic, I worked for MVO Nederland and The Permanent Representation in Rome. This governmental organization represents the Netherlands in the three Rome-based UN agencies for food and agriculture (FAO, IFAD and WFP)

In my spare time, I like to exercise, preferably outside. I also frequently try to cook culinary dishes, with mixed results. Finally, I have a passion for Italy and am currently learning the language.

Daan Ravesloot

Junior Advisor

My work as a junior advisor public affairs is focused on monitoring and analyzing political and social developments.

My interest in politics made me start the bachelor Political Science: International Relations and Organizations at the University Leiden. After that, I completed the master public affairs at the same university. For my master thesis I was able to combine the knowledge of both studies with a research at the Peace Palace.

In my spare time, I love to listen to a political podcast or read a political biography. Furthermore, I am a movie-fanatic, so I am always in for a well-written thriller in the cinema’s.

Katinka Eetgerink

Junior Advisor

As a junior Public Affairs advisor I focus on monitoring and analyzing relevant political and societal developments for our clients. I also advice clients within the area of PA. I enjoy the speed at which lobby can move and firmly believe that an integral approach is key when developing a PA strategy.

I discovered my passion for political and societal developments within a diverse range of cultural contexts, during my bachelor European Studies. During my bachelor I did an internship in Pamplona, at a regional development organization, and one at Neth-ER in Brussels. I also studies international politics at the SungKyunKwan University in Seoul, South-Korea.

My masters in European Union Studies gave me the possibility to further dive into European political developments and the social perspective on technological innovations. I am very interested in the rise of Big Tech companies, Artificial Intelligence and the manner in which digital innovations are increasingly playing a role in our lives.

I am currently living in Leiden, where I like to spend my time painting, working out and socializing.

Ophelia Hagen

Junior Advisor

From an interest in current affairs and society, I took a bachelor’s degree in political science at Leiden University. Here and at Delft University of Technology I did a minor in Safety, Security & Justice in which I became interested in the subject matter.

This led me to further explore these interests in the master’s programme in Crisis & Security Management. In addition to my master’s, I worked at TechTegenCorona. With a focus on tech, data and innovation, I wrote advice and policy pieces for various government bodies to come out of the COVID-19 crisis stronger.

In my free time, I enjoy reading imaginative books, walking and yoga, and preparing a sumptuous dinner for friends with a good wine.

Chris van de Weijer

Junior Advisor

As a junior Public Affairs advisor I focus on monitoring and analyzing relevant political and societal developments for our clients. I also advice clients within the area of PA and stakeholdermanagement.

My interest in political affairs and climate change lead to me completing a bachelor in Political Science and a master in Environment and Resource management. In addition to my studies I obtained work-experience at Berenschot and Squla. I was also active at De Kleine Consultant Amsterdam and The West Wing, the youth-tank of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In my personal time I like to play the guitar, visit the museum or play tennis.

Floris-Jan Blok

Junior Advisor

As a junior Public Affairs advisor I focus on monitoring and analyzing relevant political and societal developments for our clients. I also advice clients within the area of PA and stakeholdermanagement.

During my bachelor History at the University of Leiden I worked at ProDemos, House of Democracy. Here I explained to students how our Dutch democracy and Rule of Law works and how people in the Netherlands can influence politics. During my master Public Affairs I completed an internship Public Affairs & Stakeholder-management at Albert Heijn, followed by a PA practice at Hill_ Knowlton Strategies.

During my free time you can find me playing tennis. In the summer I also like to spend time on my racing bike, and I quite enjoy reading the newspaper and listening to the radio or podcasts.

Robin Zwemmer

Head of Operations

As a Junior Public Affairs Advisor at Wepublic I provide our clients advise about stakeholder management and public affairs. Moreover, I make sure that our clients receive relevant political and societal developments. Prior to this position I worked as an Intelligence Specialist at Wepublic for two years.

Driven by my passion for public affairs I finished the master Management of the Public Sector at the University of Leiden in The Hague. With my background in European Studies at the University of Amsterdam I specialize in European interests.

In addition to my work at Wepublic, I am active for D66 as a committee member in the municipality of Haarlem. Furthermore, I like to be on the beach in Zandvoort, I speak Spanish, I like cooking and exercising outside.

Daan Blok

Junior Advisor

I have been interested in politics and societal developments since high school, leading to competing in multiple debating competitions and conferences. During my bachelor International Studies and my master Public Administration at the University of Leiden I was able to broaden my political interests even more, discovering all the ins and outs of national and international politics.

I wrote my master thesis about earning and maintaining the reputation of the Red Team (COVID-19) during the pandemic and the media strategies they applied in this process. After my studies I completed an internship at the Strategic and PA team of the municipality of Leiden, where I got my first real taste of the political game.

In my personal time I enjoy cooking, playing hockey and socializing with friends. I also quite enjoy DJ’ing at small parties for friends and family.

Jacqueline Knobben

Junior Advisor

As a junior advisor at Wepublic, I advise clients on current issues related to public affairs and communications, and I monitor political and social developments on the Stakeholder Intelligence Monitor. Before this job, during my studies, I worked as an Intelligence Specialist at Wepublic.

After my bachelor’s degree in American Studies, I pursued a master’s degree in Transatlantic Studies at the Radboud University, where I initially focused on transnational politics and history. A research project on the Dutch Provo movement in an international context, and my master’s thesis on public opinion at the time of the Spanish Civil War, sparked an interest in both Dutch politics and public affairs.

In my spare time I like going to the movies, where I enjoy everything from superhero sagas to cinema classics. I like baking and cooking, and on sunny days, I ride my motorcycle around the country.

Anouk Verhaegh

Intelligence Specialist

As an Intelligence Specialist, I monitor social and political developments for our clients. I am doing this alongside a master’s degree in Public Administration with a specialisation in Public Management and Leadership at Leiden University. In 2022, I completed my Political Science bachelor at the University of Amsterdam.

Until February 2022 I was chairman of the Model European Parliament Zuid-Holland board. Within this foundation, I organised and supervised youth conferences imitating the European Parliament for secondary school students throughout the province and on a national level. My own participation is where my passion for politics started. I first entered the world of public affairs with an internship at Considerati, where I focused on the 2021 parliamentary elections.

In my free time I prefer to sit on a terrace in the sun (or in the rain under an awning), I can be found at the Albert Cuyp market in Amsterdam, and I love going to concerts.

Jytte Dijkstra

Intelligence Specialist

As an Intelligence Specialist I monitor societal and political developments for the clients of Wepublic. I am also following a bachelor in Law, which I will follow up with a master Policy Economics. During this master I will specialize myself in analyzing policy.

Before I started working for Wepublic, I completed an internship at the D66-fraction in Dutch Parliament. Here I learned all the ins and outs of Dutch politics, which triggered my interest of politics even more, leading me to Wepublic.

Besides work, I enjoy playing tennis at my student association or spending time with friends. If I have any time left, I enjoy cooking or travelling.

Private: Steffan Benders

Intelligence Specialist

As a student of Public Administration at Leiden University, I am following the track Policy, Administration and Organization. Besides this multidisciplinary education, I am an Intelligence Specialist at Wepublic. Together with the team, it is my job to monitor political and social developments for our clients.

I also want to broaden my economic knowledge by following the minor Economics and Policy at the same university. Before this position, I did something else; I was part-time team leader at the V.O.F. Cees Koemans. Locally, I am also committed to the Municipality of Bodegraven-Reeuwijk keeping up with the committee meetings on Space for the party Lokaal Liberaal Bodegraven-Reeuwijk.

If I am not at work or studying, I visit friends and family. In addition, I practice the piano, and I am interested in learning more about social and political events that are currently taking place in the Netherlands and also internationally.

Loïs Kok

Intelligence Specialist

As an Intelligence Specialist, I monitor social and political developments for our clients. I am doing this alongside a master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations at the University of Amsterdam. I have already finished my undergraduate degree in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, and a minor in Conflict Studies.

I am also active as an interviewer at the journalistic platform of the University of Amsterdam, Room for Discussion. This platform has offered me the opportunity to interview national and international politicians, CEOs, scientists and intellectuals. I have also fufilled the position of Chair which taught me to communicate and negotiate with partners such as the University of Amsterdam, different political parties, publishers and the ECB.

In my spare time you can find me on a terrace at the Nieuwmarkt.